Joanie Sommers “Never Throw Your Dreams Away” (Columbia 43567, 1966)

As the year winds down to a close, more of the song-intention setting that I do for myself comes to mind. Popular Music in particular is chockful with affirmations worth of a lifetime of Oxygen network self help programming. Thankfully, at 3 1/2 minutes maximum, I can spend less time going over my favorite affirmations in the forms of songs versus the self help program and requisite book purchasing circuit.

In comes For Those Who Think Young Piscean Pop Pixie Joanie Sommers. Kind of like Barbara McNair, Sommers generated a substantial career on being that smoky voiced youthful crooner with a darling face that didn’t need hit singles to continue a career. Built around jingles, sitcom guest appearances, variety shows and posh club gigs, she was a fixture of the 1960’s in many a medium, but is oft-forgotten today.

It’s also of interest that her LPs were pretty much MOR fare worthy of Rosemary Clooney in Mid 60’s drag, but her singles still tried at a potential Blue Eyed Soul category that more or less brought her a top 10 Girl Group style hit in the remarkably Sado-masochistic/sexist “Johnny Get Angry” in 1962. 4 years later we find her giving sage advice over a sparkling arrangement about checking resolutions, keeping faith and never letting go of the string on your balloon.

May a prayer from the beginning of 1966 inspire you as we stumble into 2016.